TIMES NEW TAMER

At the beginning of the month Theodora had her naming prayers. Father Gregory (the priest not Myrella’s Dad) came to perform the short service which solidified her connection to her patron saint, St. Theodora of Sihla (sheela), a Romanian saint from the 17th century. In the Orthodox Church each saint has at least one Troparion, a song/poem that is sung on the day they are commemorated.

Leaving behind the things of this earth and taking up the yoke of a solitary, / you were made a bride of Christ, O blessed one. / Through fasting, vigil, and prayer / you were granted heavenly gifts and became like the angels. / You overcame human nature and moved to the heavenly places, / leaving us the consolation of your cave and of your holy relics. / Therefore, O holy and most venerable Mother Theodora, / entreat Christ our God to save our souls.

A few days later we received her social security card, so she’s officially “named”. She’s also been officially BATHED, as her umbilical cord scab finally fell off.

She loved the bath, but hated getting out!

It would have been nice to see her like this today, but she’s been going through a growth spurt this week. Today she did not sleep until 8pm, let’s hope she goes the whole night!